Senate Speaker (who also also holds the title of lieutenant governor) Ron Ramsey introduces Gov. Bill Haslam, who gave his fourth State of the State address Monday night. Credit: Stephen Jerkins

Tennessee Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey is the latest to join other state leaders in calling for an increase to the state’s gas tax, which hasn’t gone up in decades.

“One of the basic functions of government is to build good roads. And we in Tennessee are doing that currently, but we can’t continue under the current model that we have, as most other states can’t,” Ramsey told reporters in his office on Thursday. “I’m not sure it will be addressed this session, but we have to make sure it stays on the table.”

Ramsey said one proposal being talked about by state lawmakers would calculate a tax based on weight, making truckers, especially those passing through the state, contribute heavily.

With low gas prices, he says now is an ideal time to tackle the gas tax issue. And even though Republicans are usually the ones makes anti-tax pledges, Ramsey says road funding might represent special exception.

“If we came up with a comprehensive plan to make sure we still have the best roads in the nation so we can continue to recruit jobs, I think you’d be surprised [by] the people who would step up to the plate.”

Ramsey said whatever shape the proposal takes, enacting toll roads would not be part of it, saying that just wouldn’t sell in Tennessee.

“This is a problem caused by the advancements in technology. Higher gas mileage, electric cars, the natural gas, if they’re on the road they need to pay their fair share, and apparently they aren’t right now. It’s going to take a very comprehensive bills and the question is, the timing is good, but can we have that comprehensive bill ready in time? I don’t know.”

Recently, Governor Haslam said hiking the state’s gas tax is unavoidable.